Our Program
43North offers an opportunity to scale your business with funding and an immersive accelerator program like no other. Each year, we invest $5 million into startups, offering founders a chance to secure $1 million in funding, and gain access to a host of support services - from mentorship to connections to investors, and inroads to customers. We typically look for seed-stage startups that have a strong team in place, traction with customers, and received previous investment.
EARLY RETURNS
Since coming on the scene in 2014, 43North has invested in 64 startups. Our portfolio companies have gone on to raise more than $1B, with a $4.4B market value. With a unicorn and publicly-traded company among our ranks, and several others on the rise, we’re co-investors with VCs like Bessemer, Iconiq Capital, and Rise of the Rest to name a few.
$1 MILLION | 5% EQUITY
OUR PROGRAM
43North portfolio companies receive an investment of $1 million in exchange for 5% equity. Companies are required to relocate to Buffalo, NY for one year and work out of the 43North HQ where they’ll receive:
- One-on-one mentorship with experts in their field
- Class A office space in the newly renovated Seneca One Tower in Downtown Buffalo
- Access to customers, vendors, partners and an extensive network of nearly 1,000 investors
- Recruiting, fundraising, and marketing support from the 43North team
- The opportunity to operate tax-free as part of STARTUP-NY
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
After completing the online application, hundreds of applicants are narrowed down through three rounds of a highly competitive selection process. The first two rounds are virtual and the third round is an in-person pitch on stage as part of 43North Finals.
Five companies are ultimately selected to receive a $1 million investment and join 43North’s accelerator for a year of programming and an experience like no other.
Have questions about the application or program? Please email [email protected]
TIMELINE
May - Online application will open
June - Online application closed on June 23, 2023. Our team is now in the process of reviewing applicants.
August - Virtual Video Pitches
September - Diligence
October - Selected applicants will be invited to Buffalo, NY for a week-long program of mentorship and in-person pitches, which culminates in 43North Finals. There, we select the five companies that will receive investment and join 43North’s Y9 cohort. This year, 43North's week will take place October 9-13, 2023.
January 2024 - Selected companies will join 43North’s Y9 cohort in person at the Seneca One tower in Buffalo, NY, for a year-long program.
$1 MILLION | 5% EQUITY
Why to Apply Webinar Replay
Our Why to Apply Webinar lets applicants hear from founders about the benefits of 43North’s program, living and working in Buffalo, New York, the success our founders have experienced since joining 43North, and tips to stand out during the application process.
Q&A webinar Replay
We understand that you may have additional questions or need further assistance. That's why we hosted a follow-up Q&A webinar on June 20, 2023. This will be another opportunity to connect with our team and get all your queries answered. Replay passcode: l73PqAM?
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
Our startups are often seed-stage companies that have:
- Traction with paying customers
- Raised venture capital investment
- Three or more FT team members
Founders should not only be willing to relocate their company to Buffalo but should see significant value and opportunity in operating in a city like it.
Many of our past winners are graduates of other incubators or accelerators. That said, if you have an incredible company that falls outside this description, we still want to know about you.
There are some things we can’t budge on, though. If you become a winner of 43North, you must:
If you become a winner of 43North, you must:
- Provide 43North with 5% equity in your company, in the form of a warrant
- Agree to locate your CEO and 50% of your staff in Buffalo for at least 12 months
The following businesses are not eligible for the program:
- Retail businesses with brick and mortar storefronts
- Residential real property business
- Investment vehicles that invest in the securities of other entities
- Sports venues
- Gaming and gambling businesses
- Places of overnight accommodation
- Past 43North cash-prize winners
- Entertainment-related establishments
- Single-purpose entertainment or event productions (e.g. movies, albums, concerts)
Please give our Terms & Conditions a good look to make sure everything matches up.
WHY 43NORTH?
WHY BUFFALO?
$1 MILLION | 5% EQUITY
